ANCHORAGE, Alaska, March 28, 2024 – USDA Rural Development Alaska State Director Julia Hnilicka today announced USDA is investing $460,000 in a Kenai Peninsula solar energy project to benefit the area’s rural small businesses.
“When rural small businesses make improvements, our neighbors and community as a whole benefit from their work,” Hnilicka said. “This investment made to Peninsula Solar LLC will have a ripple effect of energy and cost savings, and is a great example of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to supporting rural Alaskans and the health of our rural communities.”
Peninsula Solar LLC will use a $460,000 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to install a 200 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic solar system with 500 kW of battery storage in Soldotna, Alaska. This is a phase two project to enhance previously deployed renewable energy projects on the Kenai Peninsula which will generate electricity to sell to Fresh365, a locally owned greenhouse, and three other businesses. The system is estimated to produce 220,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough electricity to power 19.5 homes.
Through the REAP program, USDA provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs.
Today’s investment is included in a national USDA announcement totaling $120 million in 541 REAP projects across 44 states.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ak.